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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Life is never dull...

I can not believe what I am going to tell you - I'm not entirely sure it has sunk in 100 percent yet.

Yes, with that sentence, I'm sure you know what is happening. We are moving, again. Care to guess where?

Drum roll...

Back to Minnesota, again! Crazy, no? I could write several pages worth to explain what all is happening, but I'll save you the time and condense it down.

I decided not to share it at the time, but Dad passed away back in January. It was pretty unexpected how it all went down and I'm not entirely sure what else to say. Nonetheless, this left Mom by herself on the large family farm. Jeff and I have had discussions over the years on how we would eventually love to go back to our roots, end up on a farm, grow our own food and be more self-sustainable. While we didn't expect it to happen as fast as it has, we are diving head first into that dream!

Last weekend, we flew back to Minnesota to see what all was available, property-wise, and have a quick visit with family. We came across a 7-acre hobby farm and fell in love with not only the layout, but the charming 1913 farm house it contained. It does need a little love and updating on the inside, but it has lots of original touches that captivated us and we will work hard to keep those intact.

Little did we know, by the time we left, we had us a farm! The place is only about 5 miles away from Mom (bonus points for that alone!), keeping us close enough to run over and help out as needed, along with perhaps throwing us into the mix to try and grow her business a bit! Once we settle ourselves in, we'll be setting up a garden, raising chickens and perhaps a cow or three - exciting and scary all rolled into one big package.

Just how fast is this happening? Fast. As in less than two weeks we'll be packing up the car and heading out for the long drive, assuming plans fall into place! As Jeff always says "Life is an Adventure!". If only the pups had any idea what they are in for.

Joe, The farmhouse is beautiful! I know you will have it just your way in no time. I'm glad you'll be so near your Mom and I know she is both thrilled and relieved! Good luck to you and Jeff and the pups in this venture!! I was so excited to see a post from you today as I have missed hearing from you!Phyllis

So sorry to hear about your dad, Joe. Sounds like a move back to MN is meant to be. Hope Farmer Joe has a little time to work on the blog. Miss you at the CLBB! Safe relocation travels to you, Jeff, and the doggies. Be glad you aren't sweltering in Charlotte this summer, whew, it's been brutal even near Chapel Hill! The farmhouse looks charming!!! Pics would be good, just sayin'...And Hope you're feeling better!!!

Good luck with all. Sorry for your loss. You guys have had some great adventures. Loved the pictures in the passed now ready to see what lies ahead. Love seeing pictures of the dogs. We are dachshund lovers over here too. We just lost our beloved Katie. Out of the blue. 12 Years old. Hope the dogs are good. Best wishes to you guys. Sounded like you guys were going to move in with Mom. But you got your own place which is wonderful. Enjoy it. Best wishes.

Whoa! Sorry to hear about your dad....that's sad news. On the more positive and adventurous note, whoa, exciting plans ahead for you guys! SO how will this affect what you guys do for a living? I'm totally jealous of the hobby farm!!! And a beautiful pic of the house! Congrats!

So sorry to hear about your dad. I'm so excited for you both. I can't believe how many times you guys have moved since I started reading your blog! Will Jeff keep working or is he going to become Farmer Jeff? I loved reading about all the snacks you made for his coworkers. He must have been very popular! I'm looking forward to lots of updates and recipes.

My condolences to you on the loss of your father, Joe. I truly believe you guys have now found your 'forever' home (and a very nice-looking one at that)! I envy you -it's always been my dream to have a little farm (with a stocked pond)here in the Midwest with horses, chickens and a couple crazy goats.

Can't wait to read about your farmsteading adventures! The property looks heavenly and I know your time "home" will be especially healing right now for your entire family. I suspect your mother is so excited to have her boys home again.Best of luck and looking forward to chickens and other creatures...maybe a beehive or two?

Oh,I'm so sorry to her of your dad's passing.My husband and I purchased a 17 acre farm here in Georgia back in May. We look so forward to the day we can move into the farmhouse and get out of the suburbs. For her age, the home is in great shape(1910 Victorian farmhouse) but she does need work, like total reno of baths and kitchen, heating and air and electrical updates. But I certainly understand and share y'alls excitement. I can't wait til next spring to break ground and a rather large garden!! Not to mention a chicken house! You can bet I'm going to follow along on your adventures! Congratulations!!!

Jeff would like to wind down and slip out of the corporate world in the next few years, but he plans on continuing what he is doing.

We will get more pictures up as soon as we get ourselves to the house to take them! The pups are doing well - too bad they have no idea what they are in for! We'll also take some updated snaps of them.

It is really coming down to the wire on this move, but hopefully everything continues to go on as planned! I know it never does, but one can hope!

I'll follow! I am sure your mother will be glad to have you close by! I hope you will update more regularly and we can follow what a country turned city turned country boy is up to! Wishing you lots of luck...

Joe, We are so sorry for the loss of your dad. What a blessing you both are to your mother to move back closer to her! I am sure she is very thankful! The house looks fantastic....so peaceful looking...I have a great feeling this will work out beautifully for you and Jeff. Wishing you safe travels~ Angie AKA: Magic Mirror from www.wdwforgrownups.com

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I'm sure your Mom is feeling blessed that you are both moving back there. And I'm looking forward to reading about your new adventures as a farmer back in your old neck of the woods!

Oh my goodness!! You've got this moving thing down, should go smoothly.My grandparents had a little farm, well, it shrunk from 800 acres to 80 to 3 in Red Wing, MN. I have wonderful memories of going then in the summers when I was little.Best of luck you guys!

Joe: So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. It is never easy losing a parent but at least you are able to come back and help your mother out. That is truly a blessing. Wishing you much success and happiness as you attempt to rekindle your roots. I can't wait until you start posting recipes again! If you will have time! Best wishes to you and Jeff.